The President of my condo board approved my renovations a year ago. There were some structural adjustments so I needed the building’s approval even though it’s a condo. I am finally about to start the renovations in 2 weeks but someone who recently moved in the building and who just volunteered as a board member is opposing it even though it does not impact him or his apartment (jealousy). I have... [more]
The President of my condo board approved my renovations a year ago. There were some structural adjustments so I needed the building’s approval even though it’s a condo. I am finally about to start the renovations in 2 weeks but someone who recently moved in the building and who just volunteered as a board member is opposing it even though it does not impact him or his apartment (jealousy). I have spent 100k on all the materials which are due for delivery in 2 weeks. I have all the permits and DOB paperwork that makes the renovation completely legal. We are 6 unit building and I am very new to how condo boards work with renovations and what my rights are. Do you have a recommendation for a good lawyer who can help me understand what my rights are and protect me against bad behaviour by the condo board, particlarly this one member?
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Response by Mikev
over 13 years ago
Posts: 431
Member since: Jun 2010
Our condo has a policy that all must be approved by the condo board and they are not able to unreasonably withhold approval.
Are your structural adjustments just to your apartment or to a common area?
I would assume two things that if they are all within your apartment and you already had approval then move ahead. If though there is something you are doing that may have an affect on common area I would probably seek an attorney to answer.
Condo's are always tricky because in theory they are really not able to restrict anything you may do as you own the apartment. That is why most avoid a coop.
Good luck.
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Response by JWL2672
over 13 years ago
Posts: 138
Member since: Mar 2012
That is so screwed up.
Wish I could offer advice but we're in the early stages of condo approval and it is a big pain in the as.
Hope you get it resolved. And next time, run for the condo board.
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Response by cccbrian
over 13 years ago
Posts: 0
Member since: Jul 2012
I have a few suggestions for you. First, I would make an appointment to speak to the opposing board member in person, face to face. This will give you a chance to explain your situation and demonstrate that you have all of the proper permits and everything in place and show that you've invested significant money based on their prior approval. From my experience on my condo board, many of these disputes can be addressed easily after meeting face to face.
If that doesn't work or they won't agree to meet, then I would try to speak to your property manager or other board members. It is highly unlikely that one board member can unilaterally block your renovation which was previously approved.
Also make sure you do all of this communication in writing (requesting meetings, etc) and keep copies of everything.
If they are not acting reasonably, then you should get your own lawyer involved to represent you.
I second also second JWL2672's suggestion that you run for your condo board. Getting involved will give you a chance to influence things in the future and get a better understanding of how things operate.
Our condo has a policy that all must be approved by the condo board and they are not able to unreasonably withhold approval.
Are your structural adjustments just to your apartment or to a common area?
I would assume two things that if they are all within your apartment and you already had approval then move ahead. If though there is something you are doing that may have an affect on common area I would probably seek an attorney to answer.
Condo's are always tricky because in theory they are really not able to restrict anything you may do as you own the apartment. That is why most avoid a coop.
Good luck.
That is so screwed up.
Wish I could offer advice but we're in the early stages of condo approval and it is a big pain in the as.
Hope you get it resolved. And next time, run for the condo board.
I have a few suggestions for you. First, I would make an appointment to speak to the opposing board member in person, face to face. This will give you a chance to explain your situation and demonstrate that you have all of the proper permits and everything in place and show that you've invested significant money based on their prior approval. From my experience on my condo board, many of these disputes can be addressed easily after meeting face to face.
If that doesn't work or they won't agree to meet, then I would try to speak to your property manager or other board members. It is highly unlikely that one board member can unilaterally block your renovation which was previously approved.
Also make sure you do all of this communication in writing (requesting meetings, etc) and keep copies of everything.
If they are not acting reasonably, then you should get your own lawyer involved to represent you.
I second also second JWL2672's suggestion that you run for your condo board. Getting involved will give you a chance to influence things in the future and get a better understanding of how things operate.